12 Korea Travel & Packing Hacks Every New TEFL Teacher Wishes They Knew Sooner

So you’ve booked your flight, signed your contract, and you’re officially gearing up for life in South Korea—amazing! Whether you’re heading to Seoul’s neon-lit streets, the mountains of Gangwon-do, or the beaches of Busan, Korea is one of the most convenient, efficient, and traveler-friendly countries on Earth. But it also comes with its own quirks. And as every TEFL teacher discovers, there are a LOT of “I wish I’d known that earlier” moments once you land.

Save yourself the learning curve. Here are 12 Korea travel and packing hacks you’ll be very glad you knew before stepping off the plane.

1. Bring a Few Pairs of Shoes That Actually Fit You

Korean shoe sizing tends to run small, especially for foreigners. If you’re over a US 9 (women) or US 10 (men), finding comfortable, affordable shoes can be a challenge.

What to pack:

• A solid pair of walking shoes
• Indoor shoes/slippers for the classroom
• One dressier pair for work events or dinners

Trust us—your feet will thank you later.

2. Stock Up on Your Favorite Toiletries (Especially Deodorant)

Korea has nearly everything… except Western-style deodorant. Most stores only carry light spray deodorants that aren’t designed for heavy sweat.

Also harder to find or expensive:

• Your preferred shampoo/conditioner brand
• Specialty skincare not common in Korea
• Tampons (pads are widely available, tampons less so)

Once you’re there, you’ll fall in love with K-beauty—but bring enough to get you through the first month or two.

3. Get a Universal Power Adapter (Plus One Extra)

Korea uses Type C and F plugs with 220V. While many modern electronics are dual-voltage, double-check your chargers, hair tools, and appliances.

Bonus hack: Bring two adapters—one for home, one for the classroom. Teachers constantly charge phones, laptops, and tablets during downtime.

4. Download These Life-Saving Apps Before You Go

Korea is a high-tech heaven, but many apps require a Korean phone number to activate. Install what you can beforehand:

• Naver Map – Better than Google Maps in Korea
• Papago – The translation app locals actually use
• KakaoTalk – Essential for work, friends, landlords… everyone
• Coupang / Gmarket Global – The Korean Amazon
• Subway Korea – Color-coded, real-time transit

Make a folder on your phone called “Korea.” You’ll feel instantly more prepared.

5. Pack Layers—Korean Weather Is No Joke

Korea has four intense seasons:

• Summer: humid, hot, and mosquito-filled
• Winter: freezing with icy winds
• Fall/Spring: perfection, but still volatile

Bring pieces you can layer easily: lightweight sweaters, thermals, a packable rain jacket, and at least one winter item you love. Clothing in Korea is easy to buy if you’re smaller-sized, but quality winter coats can be pricey.

6. Bring a Small “First Week Survival Kit”

Those first few days are busy—jet lag, orientation, finding your apartment, navigating new systems.

Pack a zippered pouch with:

• Travel-size laundry detergent
• A few protein bars/snacks
• A reusable water bottle
• Electrolyte packets
• Your meds + copies of prescriptions

You’ll feel like a functioning human instead of a confused zombie TEFL teacher.

7. Prepare a Folder of Printed Documents

Even in ultra-modern Korea, certain processes prefer paper. Immigration and school onboarding go much faster if you have printed copies of:

• Your contract
• Degree + TEFL certificate
• Passport ID page
• Passport photos (bring 8–10!)
• Any vaccination or medical paperwork

People who show up prepared get in and out much more quickly—you’ll thank yourself later.

8. Gifts for Coworkers: Bring a Taste of Home

Korean workplace culture loves small gestures. Bring a few locally made or regionally specific items from home:

• Local candy or chocolate
• Small tea or coffee packets
• Regional snacks
• A postcard or magnet from your hometown

These go over extremely well during your first week and break the ice instantly.

9. Embrace Korea’s “Everything Delivered Anytime” Culture

In Korea, everything can be delivered: groceries, fried chicken, stationery, home goods—sometimes in under 20 minutes.

But delivery apps can be tricky for new arrivals, so here’s the hack:

Use Coupang’s Global service for the first few weeks. It’s English-friendly and perfect for stocking your apartment with essentials like bedding, hangers, cleaning supplies, and kitchen basics without wandering around overwhelmed.

10. Don’t Overpack—Korean Stores Have Almost Everything

It’s tempting to bring your whole life with you, but Korean homes are small and storage is limited.

What not to overpack:

• Kitchenware
• Bed linens
• Makeup
• Notebooks and stationery (Korea’s are cuter anyway)
• Jackets

What is worth packing:

• Bras (sizing is limited)
• Large shoe sizes
• A work-appropriate wardrobe if you’re tall/plus-size
• All electronics you can’t live without

Bring the essentials—you’ll shop the fun stuff once you settle in.

11. Pack a “Teacher Kit” You Can Use on Day One

You may be thrown into teaching sooner than expected. Korean schools move fast.

A simple starter kit makes you look confident and prepared:

• Pens, markers, and a notebook
• Stickers (Korean kids LOVE stickers)
• A USB drive
• Small ESL warm-up activities printed and ready to use
• A thin folder for handouts

The teachers who look prepared on day one usually get smoother onboarding and more support.

12. Learn How to Navigate Korean Trash BEFORE You Arrive

This one is not glamorous… but you will save yourself so much stress.

Korean trash and recycling rules can be intense, and they vary by region. Bring a few extra reusable bags to help you separate:

• Plastics
• Food waste
• Paper
• General waste
• Cans + glass

Just knowing this system exists already puts you ahead of 90% of newcomers.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Korea to teach English is exciting, energizing, and life-changing—but it’s also a huge transition. With the right hacks and a bit of preparation, your first days will feel smooth, confident, and fun rather than overwhelming.

Pack smart, stay open-minded, and get ready: Korea has a way of surprising you in the best possible ways.

If you’re not heading out yet but want to make it a reality, myTEFL’s accredited courses and global job placements can get you there.